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Crazy, terrible, ferocious, loud, destructive storms are nothing new or unfamiliar to me. I've lived my entire life in Kansas, Missouri, and now in Oklahoma, so I've "weathered' my share of intense storms and tornadic threats. 

Every spring - and often in the fall as well - we spend some time in our "safe" place. Since we don't have a basement or storm shelter in our house, our "safe" place is in our hall closet. About a month ago (April 18th), the tornado sirens sounded in the middle of the night, so we got the kiddos up and "took cover". 

Brianna found the whole experience to be quite exciting. 

Brenson, however, was less than impressed to be out of his crib and awake at 2:30am. 

As most of you have probably heard, we had a series of very devastating storms and tornadoes roll through Oklahoma yesterday.  We actually didn't have to take cover where we live, but there was a tornado that touched down in a town not far from us. And of course, there was the tornado that destroyed a good part of Moore, resulting in many, many injuries and loss of life. So heartbreaking. 

It's interesting to me how storms used to scare me SO bad. Then I had kids. While I still don't love severe weather, I don't experience the fear like I used to. I just kind of go into protection mode for my kids.

So of course, my mind is consumed today with thoughts of those parents who were helpless in the face of the storm. With a tornado the size of the one that struck Moore, there is nothing anyone can do to stop it. We can't predict its path. We can't run from it. All we can do is prepare the best we can, then hunker down and ride it out.

In moments like this - in days following this type of destruction - it's so important to remember where our priorities lie. The devastation is hard to stomach, especially when it's so close to home. I can't imagine what parents who lost children in this destructive storm are feeling. Really, it's enough to make me have a panic attack if I let it.

But, I don't let it. I won't let it. The thing is, as devastating and horrible and unimaginable as all of this is, I have a peace knowing that this world is not my home. I have a higher hope and a higher purpose. I don't have to be afraid of the storms. I don't have to fear losing my worldly possessions or even my life. Why? Because I serve a God that is bigger than all that. And His immeasurable love is bigger than the horrific events that transpired yesterday.

So, as hard as it is to watch the news right now, to see the photos of the piles of rubble, and to hear stories of people who lived this nightmare and of those who did not survive, I'm finding my comfort and peace in the Lord above. I hope you are, too.